Beware Yon Dragons

A regular running monologue of opinions and ideas from a "country priest".

This blog represents the personal opinions of Fr. Chori Jonathin Seraiah, and is not necessarily representative of the position of St. George Catholic Church, in Republic, Missouri, the Ordinariate of the Chair of St. Peter, Bishop Steven Lopes, or the Catholic Church as a whole.

Tolerance

June 3, 2026

“The Church is intolerant in principle because she believes; she is tolerant in practice because she loves. The enemies of the Church are tolerant in principle because they do not believe; they are intolerant in practice because they do not love.” (Reginald Garrigou-Legrange)

Let that quote sink in a bit. Maybe even re-read it. Get rid of the world's definitions of these things. Now let me unpackage what is being said.

As Catholics we are not supposed to "tolerate" errors, either doctrinal or moral. We believe what our Lord has revealed to the Church, and that means we do not tolerate anything contrary to that revelation. Yet, we "tolerate" errors (in another way) because we love people and do not want to drive them away from God. In other words, we are not supposed to ignore errors as though they had no importance in the grand scheme of things (i.e. being "intolerant"). Also we are supposed to put up with a lot of garbage that the world throws at us, even when it is foolishly errant garbage, because we show love even to the unlovely (i.e. being "tolerant").

Those who oppose the Church (whatever form of false religion they practice) tolerate numerous things that they should not tolerate because they do not truly believe in the God Who reveals Himself in the Scriptures and through His Catholic Church. They also are intolerant of numerous things that they should tolerate because they do not have a proper love of God and neighbor.

The right motivations and purposes in one's life make all the difference. Let us make sure that we are "tolerating" and "not tolerating" the right things, for the right reasons, and doing so for the glory of God Almighty.

Recent Posts